There are so many options available for Valentine’s Day in London that it can be a real challenge selecting the perfect one. Especially, if you have a date with a new love interest or are planning to pop the big question, you will be striving for perfection.
It can be difficult to get the balance right between romance and relaxation. So, here is a brief guide to some great romantic restaurants, pubs, bars, special activities and, of course, chocolates that London has to offer.
There are all manner of restaurants to choose from for a Valentine’s Day treat, but it is always nice to do something a little out of the ordinary on February 14th. Of course, you can also go to these restaurants on any other day of the year, but there is no better time than on the most romantic day of the year.
Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore in London’s Covent Garden has repeatedly been awarded the title of the most romantic and sexiest restaurant in the UK. Indeed, its list of awards is about as long as the average restaurant’s menu. Among many others, in 2013, they were awarded Top Table’s Most Romantic Restaurant in the UK.
This restaurant is wonderfully located in Covent Garden with no more than 10 minutes walking distance from a full range of London theatres including the Royal Opera House, they even offer a pre and post-theatre special menu.
Such is the innovation of Clos Maggiore’s architecture that it can be perfect for cold wintery evenings and hot summer nights. It’s aesthetics are exquisite, with a roaring fireplace, white blossom and numerous other unique features. The food on offer is fine French cuisine and there is an attention to detail that ensures an elegant evening is enjoyed by all.
Andrew Edmunds
For a classy, old fashioned and romantic Valentine’s Day dining experience, you can do a lot worse than Andrew Edwards. A bastion of Old Soho, this quaint and quite beautiful little restaurant has been pleasing customers with its relaxed atmosphere, great menu and mouth watering wines for almost three decades. The menu is majestic and the enticing environment and rousing reds have been known to spark the flame of many a romance.
Barbecoa
If you’re ideal valentines evening is fine dining, beautiful surroundings, fantastic service, and mouthwatering 
food, then look no further than Barbecoa. This high quality Jamie Oliver restaurant is situated inside One New Exchange just next to St Pauls Catherdral. It is known best for being the first barbecue steakhouse in the UK, offering a luxurious range of food that will satisfy taste buds and leave you feeling quite elegant. We recommend trying the Pit Smoked Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Liver Pate, followed by the exceptional Fillet Steak together with Garlic Mash and Creamed Spinach.
Romance Restaurant
The name gives it away somewhat, but the Romance Restaurant – located between Kings Cross and Euston – is not quite so blatant in its approach. It’s calm and relaxing atmosphere makes it a prime choice for any occasion and, with a huge focus on being a social hub, it is great for group bookings as well as ‘tables for two’.
The menu is Mediterranean, as is the atmosphere, and this can be a great way to kick off a fun and frolic-fuelled Valentine’s Day.
Romantic Bars
It is not overly common to throw the words romantic and pub together in the same sentence, however, for those who aren’t quite into the formality of dinner yet, it can be a great Valentine’s Day choice.
Spaniards’ Inn Pub, Hampstead
A 16th century country pub in the city, the Spaniards’ Inn has been immortalised by both Dickens and Keats. It’s roaring fire and numerous nooks make it idyllic for a romantic valentine’s day drink and, with its location in such a beautiful part of the city, it is also the perfect pre-emptive for a late night stroll.
It could be that you pop in before or after dinner, but with such an adorable atmosphere and real quality pub food on offer, you may as well get settled in for the long haul.
Cellar Door
If it’s cool, dark and mysterious that you are going for, then Cellar Door in Aldwych might well be the perfect location for your Valentine’s Day date. Small and cool, this bar can provide a perfect canvas for you to get close to a loved one – or a potential loved one – whilst you knock back some cool cocktails or stylish shots.
Valentine’s Day Special Events
Perhaps you want to do something extra special on the most romantic day of the year. You can always go out for a nice meal or a romantic glass or three of red wine, but there are also some special Valentine’s events in London this year.
Bateaux London Cruise
A romantic cruise along the Thames with Bateaux London truly has all the ingredients required to make this year the most romantic Valentine’s Day on record.
Cruise past some of London’s most famous landmarks, whilst sipping champagne and enjoying a splendid four-course meal – prepared onboard. The experience doesn’t come cheap ,with even the most affordable tables available at £125 per person. The five-hour cruise will truly be one to remember, however, with live entertainment, exquisite food and great wines to supplement the wonderful views of England’s capital city.
London Eye Cupid’s Capsule
The beautiful views from the London Eye make it a romantic ride at anytime of the year. Valentine’s Day sees a special Cupid’s Capsule offer, which allows couples to enjoy the views in private, with champagne and chocolates included. The 30-minute experience will be a great way to kick off or wind down a romantic Valentine’s Day, as the London skyline moves around you.
Seal the Deal With Chocolates and Flowers
Paul A Young
Nothing can cap a nice romantic evening off better than some delicious chocolates. If you have gone to such an effort with every other aspect of your evening, you may as well get this part right too. Paul A Young is a Great British chocolatier with a great reputation for producing innovative chocolates of the very highest quality. He is a multi-award winner and his chocolates can truly be the icing on the cake of any Valentine’s Day.
Dawson’s Flowers
Valentines would not be valentines without flowers and Dawson’s ensures they have everything you need to make someone feel truly special. Situated in Bloomsbury they offer a vast and colorful range of Roses which can even be delivered same day providing the address based in central London and the order is placed before 2pm.
